CARACAS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government welcomed Norway's statement on the South American country and reaffirmed dialogue as the only way to achieve understanding, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said Friday.
Rodriguez tweeted that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "ratifies and reaffirms the path of dialogue as the only way to achieve understanding among Venezuelans."
The vice president attached the official statement issued on Friday by the Norwegian government, which is mediating to facilitate dialogue between Venezuela's government and the opposition.
"Norway announces that it has had preliminary contacts with representatives of the main political actors of Venezuela, as part of an exploratory phase, with the aim of supporting the search for a solution to the situation in the country," the statement said, and commended relative parties for their efforts.
Also on Friday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza welcomed the beginning of talks with the opposition in Norway.
"What must be highlighted is that it is good news ... It is the only way to find solutions for this situation," Arreaza told Latin American TV network Telesur.
"'There is no path to peace, peace is the path.' M. Gandhi. That is why we will always be committed with dialogue!" tweeted Venezuela's Minister of Communication and Information Jorge Rodriguez.
The opposition leader Juan Guaido also confirmed on Thursday that they have responded to an invitation from the Norwegian government.
